Charles Clements, 69, of University Park, could have been sentenced to as many as 20 years in prison.
Testimony at the trial showed that Clements shot Joshua Funches only after Funches cursed and punched him.
Clements had no criminal record.
The victim's mother, Patricia Funches, wanted Clements to serve prison time
"If I didn't get justification I was looking for in the court system, which failed me horrifyingly today, then just wait, God will get it. He would do it and I need to just let Him handle it," Patricia Funches said.
Joshua Funches was the father of three young children. His mother says she has adopted the youngest, a 2-year-old boy.
